Lae City bow out

By PATRICIA KEAMO
LAE City ended their Oceania Football Confederation Champions League campaign winless after a 2-3 loss to the Solomon Islands’ Central Coast in their final group match in Auckland, New Zealand, yesterday.
A tweak to the line-up with goalkeeper Jorden Tobem replacing veteran Ronald Warisan saw City conceding two goals 20 minutes in before Mathew David’s 41st-minute strike.
A minute later, however, Clifford Fafale found the back of the net to restore Central Coast’s two-goal lead before the break.
A halftime change saw Warisan replacing Tobem as City tried to get themselves back into the contest with coach Bob Morris deploying more bodies up-field.
The Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored side sprung into life when skipper Emmanuel Simon’s corner kick found Jonathan Allen who headed home City’s second goal in the 76th minute.
Attempts from both side to convert more goals were unsuccessful as regulation time ended.
Morris’ pre-match warning to his players to improve their finishing and keep their hopes alive was successful.
“in the second half, we did look for goals and we had a few chances up-front, but we just couldn’t convert them,” said Morris after the match.
“I thought all the goalkeepers that I brought here were the best and it’s unlucky (for us), but any goalkeeper can make a mistake at this level.”
Skipper Alwin Komolong told The National that it was bitter end to a disappointing campaign.
“But I’m still proud of our efforts, given the circumstances,” he said.
“It’s time to refocus, learn from our mistakes and look forward to vying for the title next season. Big thanks to Lae City fans for your unwavering support. We promise to return better and stronger.” Central Coast now join fellow Group-A side AS Vénus, of Tahiti, in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, City side will now return and begin preparations for the new National Soccer League season which is scheduled to kick off next month.